The World’s First USB 3.0 Oscilloscope!

The PicoScope 3207A and 3207B USB 3.0 oscilloscopes are the new top–of–the range models in the PicoScope 3000 Series. With upgraded bandwidth, faster sampling, larger buffer sizes and an improved timebase accuracy of ±2 ppm, these scopes represent fantastic value for money.

As well as these impressive specifications, don’t forget that PicoScope oscilloscopes include all of these advanced features at no extra cost:

Serial decoding — I²C, I²S, UART/RS-232, SPI, CAN, LIN, FlexRay

Mask limit testing — with alarms

Segmented memory — with graphical buffer navigator

Rapid triggers — up to 10,000 waveforms in a 10 ms burst

Advanced digital triggering — for single–sample accuracy

Digital lowpass filtering

Channel math — with 30 operators, functions and constants

Color persistence display — also with intensity and custom options

Built-in function generator or arbitrary waveform generator

PicoScope 3207

Model

Bandwidth

Sampling

Buffer

FG / AWG

PicoScope 3207A

250 MHz

1 GS/s

256 MS

FG

PicoScope 3207B

250 MHz

1 GS/s

512 MS

FG+AWG

Win a PicoScope 3207B!

Correctly answer the four questions in our quiz for your chance to win a PicoScope 3207B. Entries must be submitted before midnight (UTC) on the 29th March 2013. The winner will be announced in the April newsletter.

PicoScope 9000 Series Overview

The PicoScope 9000 Series sampling oscilloscopes are a special class of high-bandwidth oscilloscopes designed for capturing repetitive signals such as serial communications data and semiconductor test waveforms. These compact, portable devices plug into your PC or laptop, creating an advanced measuring instrument at a fraction of the cost of a traditional, stand–alone unit. And, unlike many competing products, there are no hidden costs as all the advertised software features are included in the price.

Measure For a Good Cause!

Since launching our appeal for application notes last month, we have received some interesting ideas and we will announce the results as the notes are published. We are still looking for examples of Pico products put to industrial, scientific or educational uses, and for each story that we use we will donate £250 to Cancer Research UK. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at newsletter@picotech.com with brief details of your application. We will then explain what information we require.

Tech Tips

Q. The PicoLog software limits the sampling rate to 1 kS/s with the PicoLog 1000 Series data loggers in streaming mode. Is there any way to sample faster than this?

A. Yes, you have two options. The first is to use the PicoScope software. Although this is mainly intended for use with oscilloscopes, it also works with some of our faster data loggers including the PicoLog 1000 Series. Before running PicoScope, ensure that the logger is not connected to the PicoLog software. The second option is to write your own software using the SDK. Both options will allow streaming–mode capture up to 100 kS/s. PicoScope and the PicoLog 1000 Series SDK can be downloaded free of charge. (Note: if the 8 k sample buffer is sufficient for your application, you can run in block mode at 1 MS/s.)

EXT trigger input, safe limits

Q. I was wondering how to safely interpret the External Trigger voltage specifications. The PicoScope 3206B EXT Trigger specification is ±5 V operating and ±100 V overvoltage. Often overvoltage specifications suggest some limited occurrence criteria. Is this the case with the PicoScope 3206B? We are in a 0 to 20 V environment and we often wish to trigger on 16 V rising edges although the threshold is within the operating range. Is this a safe operating condition for repeated use?

A. 16 V won t harm the device, even if repeatedly applied. If the rise to 16 V is quick then the trigger time may be slow due to saturation but it will still work. Adding a clipping circuit would improve the response speed.

Distributor of the Year Award

Our congratulations go to HongKe Technology Co. Ltd. of Guangzhou, China, winner of the Pico Technology Distributor of the Year Award 2012 for the Asia–Pacific region. Established in 1995, HongKe is our master distributor in China and offers our complete product range of oscilloscopes, data loggers and automotive diagnostic kits.

We shall be presenting the award at the AMR2013 (Auto Maintenance and Repair Expo) show in Beijing in April.

Events

Please visit Pico Exhibitions for the latest list of exhibitions and trade shows that Pico and its representatives will be attending.

Software releases

Our latest software releases are available as free downloads. To check which release you are using, start the software and select Help > About.

About this newsletter

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Testimonials

I have been using my 4224 PicoScope for years. I travel abroad so this has been ideal due to its physical size. Storage of waveforms on my Laptop is very easy allowing me to quickly email waveforms to my Colleagues.

Andrew

Not many USB scopes works on Win & Mac & Linux too, so that proves me that guys from Pico really cares about us, customers. This made my decision much easier when I was looking to buy an USB scope.

Raul Trifan

We have been using Picoscope 6404D for quite some time, and are amazed by its accuracy and powerful emulations while working with numerous signal evaluations.

J Mohanty

PicoLog TC-08: This is a very nice unit that works consistently and reliably.

Jeff Hulett

It is a great scope. I had a weird problem - it did not work on one of my PC’s. Customer service gave me first class service. If I could give 6 stars for customer service - I would do so.

Niels Larsen

Perfect Partner for Development of Encoder controlled Stepper Motor Actuators. Since the included software is really stable, this type of device is a great tool for great tasks!

Helmut Schoettner

A superb piece of equipment worth its weight in gold

Nigel Clinch

So simple to use & beats any other I have ever used hands down.

John D Samsing

Great functionality in a compact size. I really like moving the mouse pointer to a position and having the Time and Voltage display the values at that point. Calibration equipment is a breeze with that feature.